Wednesday, September 9, 2015

It cannot be denied that the
Philippines is a country rich in culture and history. This has resulted into a
number of settlers to find the Philippine Islands as a perfect place to live
in. And, affordable
Boracay packages are tickets to somehow experience and have a peek on the
fun life of adventure of the first settlers.

source: www.expedia.com.ph

Boracay Island is one of the
7,107 islands in the Philippines that has a picture perfect scenery and white
sand beach—a perfect place to have a break the long months of work and school.
But aside from the wonderful scenery, good people, tastyl food and party-hard
nights, the island still features its culture and history through colorful
festivals.

source:thecolorsoffestive.tumblr.com

One of these colorful festivals is the
famous “Ati-atihan
Festival”, where participants dance across the streets with the beats of
their drums. Behind the fact that Ati-atihan Festival is known by many
Filipinos, along with the fast-paced society, a number of questions about this
colorful festival seemed to be hidden behind the masks and paints all over the
participants faces and bodies.

How, when and why did Ati-atihan
Festival come to the Philippine culture are questions that revolve around the
history of society and religion.

“Ati-atihan”, liiterally “to look like
the Atis,” is a celebration of friendship between the Atis, the ten Datus, and
settlers from Borneo who lived in Panay Island. Atis were believed to have
settled on the highlands while the Borneo settlers stayed on the lowlands.
Friendship between the Atis and Borneo settlers was even better strengthened by
the time that the Maraynon (Borneo settlers) from the lowlands helped the Atis
in finding food after a storm wiped out their crops on the hill side. Going
back to the lowland for food became a yearly activity for the Ati people. They
sang and danced together with the Maraynon, until they (Maraynon) painted
themselves black to join in with Ati people.

However, the Festival was religiously
linked when the 1000 baptized residents of Kalibo and other surrounding areas
joined in on the festival. In addition, when the Moro raiders attacked the Island
of Panay during the 17th century, it is the defenders of Panay that
used “Hala Bira”, which means “Hit them!”, as their battle cry while defending
the island with artillery. Gunpowder residue left their faces black so much so
that they looked like the Atis. They thanked Sto. Nino for they believe that it
is him who helped them be saved from the Moro attack.

“Ati-atihan Festival” is one of the
real proofs that Philippines is a country rich with different cultures which make
up the Filipino heritage. Experiencing the festival right where it originates
is like having it first time. An affordable Boracay package showcases not only
the beautiful scenery Boracay Island has—it does not comply with just the idea
of having a break—but more so, showcases the culture our Country, The
Philippines, has.

About Me

I am Kresten Marti C. Ujano, quiet and shy type. Fun to be with. Loves to smile. Analyzes everything. A sports man, loves swimming, tennis and running. Gamer. Certified NBA, PBA, basketball addict but not a good basketball player. Singer but not a song writer. Plays a little of guitar and piano. Dreams of having his own business someday. Risk taker. Hopeless romantic.